Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I'm not going to lie, having a multiple monitor setup for your computer is pretty sweet. It makes multitasking so much easier and looks cool too (if your monitors are the same, like mine). However, having a multiple monitor setup isn't always cheap. You have to have a graphics card that supports multiple monitor hook ups as well as a motherboard to support that card, and then you have to have the monitors. Sometimes, buying one monitor is expensive but you can almost guarantee spending a lot if you are looking into multiple ones, especially if you want anything with decent quality.

Well, if you don't want to spend the extra money getting an extra monitor and you have a computer running Windows 7, a WiFi connection and an iPad, then you don't have to worry about any of that. Splashtop Incorporated has just announced the release of its Splashtop XDisplay app for the iPad. The app basically transforms your iPad into a second monitor for your desktop or laptop computer.

While it isn't exactly the same as having an actual monitor make your setup even cooler, the 9.7" screen of the iPad should perform well enough for most situations. Having multiple screens has many benefits. It allows you to decrease screen clutter by moving icons and widgets around and use the primary screen solely for work or entertainment purposes without any distractions. Having more than one monitor also allows you to view extra large images or spreadsheets without having to zoom or scroll like a madman.

In addition to that, the second monitor can also be used as a presentation device if you want to use it as a mirror instead. If you decide to use your iPad as your second monitor, you can also watch movies easily without having to deal with the time-consuming file conversion process.

This app works by connecting to a PC that is running a free Windows Streamer. And that's it, it's that easy. You can even pinch to zoom on your iPad and use other gestures as well that allow you to interact with the content on screen. Splashtop XDisplay is currently available now as a free app download though it does limit you to a 10-minute session each time you use it. If you want unlimited access, you will have to purchase an added in-app purchase for $9.99. However, Splashtop is currently having a promotion right now and is selling the unlimited access app for $4.99, but only for a limited time.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The CEA, otherwise known as the Consumer Electronics Association, has just issued a report that gave details on the significance of the size and weight of our current-generation flat-panel TVs compared to previous incarnations. The report also indicated that e-waste recycling volumes have diminished as last-generation flat-panel tvs are being replaced in homes.

The report, which is titled "Materials Footprint Reduction of Televisions and Computer Monitors: 2004-2010", noted that flat=panel televisions of this day and age are 82% lighter and 75% smaller on average than previous models of similar screen sizes.In addition to that, the report also noted that 40" to 70" flat-panel televisions weigh 34% less than 13" to 36" CRT tvs.

According to VP of Environmental Affairs and Industry Sustainability with CEA Walter Alcorn, "The staggering reductions in materials in TVs and computer monitors have real and lasting environmental benefits, from the supply chain through recycling and disposal. Dramatically lighter and smaller TVs and monitors reduce the amount of resources needed to manufacture the product and slash the amount of required packaging and fuel used to transport these products. Furthermore, the sun-setting of CRT TVs is vastly reducing the amount of electronics to be recycled."

The CEA has coordinated the eCycling Leadership Initiative, which has a goal to recycle 1 billion pounds of electronics annually by the year 2016. The initiative has also targeted set measurement and transparency as one of its key principles as well as bolstering consumer education of eCycling. The initiative also plans on increasing the number of recycling locations and infrastructure needed to reach the 1 billion pound annual goal. This report is the first of many planned technical reports on issues relating to end-of-life electronics.

Monday, July 4, 2011

3D HDTVs are becoming increasingly popular, as are 3D computer monitors. However, even though 3D is making waves in PC gaming, it has yet to take off like televisions have. Well, Acer is attempting to make the transition from 2D to 3D PC gaming even easier by introducing two new LCDs that offer full 3D capabilities.

Acer's newest device is the HN274H which acts as both a 3D LCD monitor as well as a fully-functioning 3D HDTV. This handy device supports Nvidia 3D Vision for 3D PC gaming and also supports HDMI 3D. What this means is that you have the ability to hook up a 3D-compatible Blu-ray player or a TV set-top box in order to watch movies or television in complete 3D as well. The HN274H is a 27-inch LED-backlit display that comes with three HDMI ports overall as well as a pair of Nvidia active-shutter 3D glasses.

The other new device that Acer is offering to help you make the jump into 3D entertainment is the step-down version, 23.6-inch HS244HQ. This smaller device lacks Nvidia 3D vision support and LED backlighting. However, it still comes with HDMI 3D compatibility and also includes a pair of Acer 3D glasses. In addition to that, the HS244HQ, like the HN274H, offers 1,920 x 1,080 full HD resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2ms response time.

Both the HN274H and the HS244HQ are available now with the HN274H going fora retail price of a $689 and the HS2344HQ going for a $449. If you are looking for a moderately sized 3D HDTV and a large 3D gaming monitor, the HN274H will make a perfect all-in-one device with the HS2344HQ being perfect for a more mild enthusiast.